Moved to 3rd gen ... Posted in the wrong area.

 

I just bought a 2007 RX350 with 90K miles and noticed on the passenger side dash there is a small crack (1 inch x 1/8 approx) ... Has anyone tried to use some type of dash repair kit like Q-bond to fix it ... any other inexpensive ideas would be great. Thanks!

 

This works pretty well but you need to practice with it first mixing the color right and applying it.

http://www.princessauto.com/pal/en/S...-Kit/8193252.p

If possible, can you post a couple of pics of the tear, one closeup, one further away?

 

There are places who are experts on dash repair. Best leave to the pros.

 

That brings up my question. Does anyone know if the dash is vinyl or leather covered? That way I know to use a leather conditioner or armour all on the dash.

 

Do not use Armor All on your dash if only because it makes it shiny and may cause problems with the sun reflecting back at you or causing a glare on the windshield.

Best to use a low gloss product with UV properties. Many here use 303 Aerospace or one of the Meguiar's products with UV.

 

AS303, nothing else on my dashboard. Still after it was left outside (had to use the garage for another car), after 2 years, I found a crack on my dashboard. This RX is never left without a sunshade. But with the heat-cold cycles outside a garage, it will show its age and will crack eventually.

I am lucky that the crack is on the side near the air diffuser, Driver's side and only I can see it.

I am sure AS303 helped. in keeping most of the dashboard protected.

 

it is a manufacturing defect that lexus refuses to acknowledge. Welcome to the first of many cracks that will appear all around the dashboard no matter what conditioner/cleaner you use.

 

Not that bad. Depends on a harsh climate and/or where the vehicle is stored. The steeply raked windscreen of the RX most probably also allows longer exposure to the sun if the vehicle is parked outside in sunny climates.

 

The GX470 has the same problem as well as the 4th Gen 4runner as well. My 08 RX350 dash seems to deform a bit by the front defroster vent too!

 

I have a half inch crack on the driver's AC vent on my 330. I put crazy glue on the leading edge of the crack using a needle to make sure I built a bridge of glue between each side and into the apex of the crack. The crazy glue actually melts the plastic forming a stopping point for the crack.

That was three years ago in March and the crack has not progressed.

 

Crazy glue simply just bonds to plastic thanks to the presence of moisture, you want something like di-clo to weld plastic together.

A/C vent is a pretty low stress piece though, so superglue works great.

 

The vent crack is the one that spreads across the instrument pod. I'm not sure you can qualify which crack is low stress or high stress or which might benefit from the use of super glue to stop it's progress. I think those with dash cracks are interested in stopping the spread as well as a more permanent cosmetic solution at some point.

The OP asked for an inexpensive fix, super/crazy glue qualifies and has the added advantage of working.

 

I wish I knew of this, I have the same crack that went all the way to the edge. I could have stopped it!

But thanks for the tip.

Important to pay attention and inspect the dash. When I put my AS303 I look at every inch.

 

I haven't used a dash mat in years, but I'm thinking of one now since it seems the Lexus RX's are susceptible to dash cracks.